It was a cold and crisp February day in Philadelphia as we pulled up to a seemingly empty lot choked with weeds. A massive edifice of crumbling stone stood just above the treeline, black against the bluebird sky - a jagged and broken silhouette. The building was long gone; a true ruin that would surely be bulldozed soon. A discreet passage through the fence led us onto the property, so overgrown and set back that pedestrians on the street were of no worry. As we neared the stone walls, an emaciated pit bull leapt out of the fallen wood beams and charged us, probably protecting a litter of puppies somewhere. Holding up a large stick, and later a tripod would keep her at least twenty feet away - barking, but out of biting range. After ten minutes or so she lost interest and disappeared into the back of the property.

There was no distinction between inside and outside, as the building was completely gutted by fire. The old synagogue was locked up tight, and another large structure (an infirmary perhaps) was just a large empty space with a totally collapsed floor. Unfortunately the sun wasn't in the best place for photos, but it was an interesting excursion nonetheless.